Beyerdynamic Custom One Pros louder in one ear

[nightmarevoid]

recently I've noticed that my Beyerdynamic Custom One Pros are louder in my left ear cup. This has happened on and off before, but it's becoming more consistent. I've never messed with the EQ settings on my computer and the cable is securely connected at every point. I heard Dankpods say that he's been hearing of old beyerdynamics failing this way. Can anyone confirm that this is a sign of my headphones dying? I'm also open to suggestions on some sub $200 headphones for music/gaming. Thanks for the advice.

[BobVonBob]

Could be the headphones, could be the source, could be your right ear has too much earwax. Easy way to test whether it's the headphones is to plug in to multiple other devices and try wearing the headphones backwards and see if the quiet side stays the same or switches.

[Brian McKee]

While it could be the drivers (or some circuitry in the headphones) the more likely culprit would be the wires. I believe these are hard wired cables like most of beyerdynamic's stuff so it'll require a bit of soldering to replace, but it isn't a hard repair at all. While you're at it, it's worth replacing the ear cups too.

[HenrySalayne]

Could be oxidation or dirt on the connectors or just a failing cable. Or maybe one driver was badly assembled and the glue starts to fail.

It's normally quite easy to disassemble Beyerdynamic headphones and you should get spare parts quite easily.

Start by cleaning all contacts and making sure no contact springs are bent, then try a replacement cable. Also try a different source so it's not some problem with your playback device.

 

[cmndr]

Is there a slider in windows for left/right balance?
 

 

[Psittac]

Left or Right bias is difficult to sort out.  But the "put it on backwards" recommendation by @BobVonBob would be my first suggestion.  I'm 41 now and sometimes wonder if it's the tracks I'm listening to or equipment or just if my right ear has more wear on it than my left.  So that will take the "you" out of the equation.  (never thought about ear wax, I always sleep on the same side so that makes sense)

 

That's the only input I had to add, everything else I could possibly think of was mentioned